SVC Alumni
Programs Director
Lydia (she, her, hers) is a fourth-year Cowell affiliate majoring in Environmental Studies. In her hometown of San Francisco, Lydia had the opportunity to volunteer as Management Director of MoveAbout Theater, a student-run company that brought free theater to the parks of the city. Since then, she has gotten involved at UCSC by working with KZSC Radio and volunteering at Cowell community events and programs. This past year, Lydia enjoyed incorporating social justice themes into SVC's annual programming and is excited to continue to plan events that will connect UCSC to the Santa Cruz community during her third (and final) year with SVC.Spring 2019 Intern
Poojitha (she, her, hers) is a second year College Nine affiliate majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. She has volunteer experience with Truly Absolute, a non-profit organization that focused on establishing a mentor program for underrespresented elementary and high school students. She has also been involved with food banks, neighborhood clinics, museums, and a community service trip to China. As an SVC intern, Poojitha hopes to get more involved as a volunteer and serve as a resource for students that want to give back to the community.Spring 2019 Intern
Erin (she/her/hers) is a first year Cowell affiliate majoring in Psychology. In her hometown of Thousand Oaks, she volunteered with her local children's bereavement group and coached lacrosse for the middle school girls' team while engaging in student research opportunities. At UCSC, she is excited to help students find new volunteer opportunities and connect to organizations they can be passionate about.Spring 2019 Intern
Megan (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year psychology major affiliated with Cowell College. Her hometown is Los Angeles. Megan is currently volunteering with Davenport Resource Service Center as a tutor for two sixth graders. She also used to work with Community Connection in the Prevention and Early Intervention program which helps young people experiencing mental health symptoms for the first time connect to meaningful activities within their community. She is looking forward to learning more about volunteer opportunities in Santa Cruz and helping students get involved.Winter 2019 Intern
Harshitha Arul Murugan (she, her, hers) is a first-year Crown affiliate majoring in Computer Science. In Fremont, her hometown, she volunteered for a local congressman's campaign among other organizations to help the local community. Harshitha is excited for the new experiences as an intern for the SVC and is looking forward to giving back to the Santa Cruz community that has treated her so well during her first quarter at UCSC.Winter 2019 Intern
Kira (she, her, hers) is a third-year majoring in Sociology with a minor in Sustainability
and Film & Digital Media. She is affiliated with Oakes college and has volunteered at the
Day Worker Center of Santa Cruz. In her hometown, Pomona, she used to volunteer
with a local non-profit org, Teen Green, and Priceless Pet Rescue, a no-kill shelter. She
enjoys kayaking, backpacking, and watching Shrek in her free time. As an SVC intern,
she hopes to be a resource for students while engaging the community with the college.Winter 2019 Intern
Brianna (she, her, hers) is a second-year Kresge affiliate majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. During high school, she was involved in the campus volunteer leadership team and assisted in planning school-wide fundraising events. Some of the organizations she volunteered for include Baby to Baby, Casa Esperanza, and AIDS Walk LA. As an SVC Intern, she hopes to get more students involved in community service work both on campus and off campus.
Fall 2018 Intern
Analissa is a Third year Kresge affiliate double majoring in Legal Studies and Politics. In her hometown San Diego California, Analissa has volunteered at the San Diego, Humane society, and also at her local church. As a Volunteer Center Intern, she hopes to encourage everyone to volunteer in someway, and also provide information for how you can volunteer in the Santa Cruz community!
Fall 2018 Intern
Bianca Martinez (she, her, hers) is a third year Econ major affiliated with Rachel Carson. In San Diego, her hometown, she has volunteered with many different organizations that dealt with environmental justice and poverty in big cities. Bianca is very excited to be an intern with the Student Volunteer Center and she is looking forward to learning about volunteer organizations in Santa Cruz and sharing their work on campus.
Fall 2018 Intern
Dan is a Stevenson-affiliated junior at UCSC majoring in neuroscience. He is from Ventura CA, and used to volunteer for the Ventura State Junior Lifeguards program before he moved up to Santa Cruz. He likes playing guitar, surfing and enjoying his time with friends. What he is most excited about being an intern at the SVC is the opportunity to better the Santa Cruz community and the chance to meet some new people!Director
Laura is a fourth-year Kresge affiliate double majoring in Sociology and Politics. She is passionate about volunteering as a way to strengthen community bonds and has previously volunteered with the SUA Office of External Affairs lobbying representatives on student issues. She has also volunteered with the UCSC CARE office, which offers advocacy and violence prevention education on campus. As SVC Director, she oversees the CSP grants and quarterly internship program.Operations Director
Emily is a fourth-year Crown affiliate majoring in Economics with a Statistics minor. In her hometown of San Pedro, Emily volunteered at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium as an Exhibit Hall docent. She also volunteered as a math and English tutor at the Good Shepherd Shelter a domestic violence shelter located in downtown Los Angeles. As the Operations Director for the SVC, Emily is excited to help students find a cause to pursue they'd be passionate about as well as connect with various organizations within the Santa Cruz community.Spring 2018 Intern
Hannah is a first-year Kresge affiliate majoring in Psychology with a minor in Education. She is from Santa Rosa, California where she volunteered with Positive Images Youth LGBTQ Center, Joy of His Way Youth Choir, and NewGen Peacebuilders. She is hoping her time as an SVC intern will help her become connected to organizations around Santa Cruz and allow her to explore new ways of contributing to her community.Spring 2018 Intern
Born in San Jose, Catherine is a first-year Crown affiliate majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Prior to her involvement with the Student Volunteer Center, she actively volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Northern California, Our Lady of La Vang Parish, and Trung Tam La Salle Community Center, with projects mainly focused on aiding child development and impoverished communities. She is passionate about initiating social change and hopes to instill in others the spirit of giving back to both their local and global community.Spring 2018 Intern
Celicia is a second-year Oakes affiliate and an Intensive Psychology Major. She loves meeting new people and is passionate about helping others. In her hometown of Shafter California, a small city 15 min away from Bakersfield, allowed her the opportunity to volunteer at the Carrington Assisted Living Center, which influenced her career path as a clinical psychologist. She volunteers at the SUA food pantry and was a teacher’s assistant for incoming freshmen at Oakes College. She wants to not only continue to be involved within her community, but as an intern here at the SVC, she wants to help others be involved as well.Spring 2018 Intern
Brandon is a first-year Rachel Carson affiliate double majoring in Anthropology and Biology. He was raised in the bay-area and has volunteered at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Brandon is excited to become apart of the Santa Cruz community, and as he learns more about Santa cruz through SVC, he hopes to make a positive and lasting influence. Additionally, he wants to help other students get connected to the local community as well.Winter 2018 Intern
Yarethzia is a second-year College Nine affiliate majoring in Legal Studies and Philosophy with an Education minor. She has previously volunteered with the College Nine and Ten Activities Office as a College Guide and through UCSC Circle K International. Yarethzia is excited to help students get involved in their local community and find a shared passion towards volunteering!
Winter 2018 Intern
Paola is a first-year Merrill affiliate double majoring in Biology and Psychology. Raised in the East Bay Area, Paola was able to volunteer at her church, St. Cornelius, for various years. She found a passion in helping others and giving back to her community, and wanted to continue doing so here at UCSC. Paola hopes to continue helping the community as an SVC intern alongside her fellow interns and SVC directors.Winter 2018 Intern
Diana is a first year Oakes affiliate double majoring in Human Biology and Psychology. She grew up in San Jose and volunteered at several organizations there before coming to UCSC. Her two main projects were a senior project for her high school and a Girl Scout Silver Award. The Girl Scout Silver Award focused on restoring the natives plants at Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara county. The senior project focused on learning about composting and teaching that information to younger students as well as volunteering at an organic farm in San Jose. As an intern, Diana is hoping to connect Santa Cruz community and figure out how best to help people. As a first year, Diana is excited to learn about the campus and the people on campus as well as help connect organizations in Santa Cruz with students who are eager to volunteer.
Winter 2018 Intern
Haruto is a third-year Merrill Affiliate majoring in Legal Studies and minoring in Economics. He was raised in Irvine, California where he was a student council president at a saturday Japanese culture school where he was responsible for organizing volunteering events and fundraisers for the school. He then joined the Rotaract club and Praxis volunteering club in UCSC in order to continue volunteering and to create a relationship with the new environment. As an SVC intern, Haruto wants to continue volunteering while helping the Pre-Law Society connect members interested in volunteering.Fall 2017 Intern
Sajia is a second year Porter affiliate majoring in Psychology. In her hometown of Danville, California, Sajia attended The Athenian School where she spent time as community service intern for two years. During her internship, she worked with and fundraised for Trust in Education, a nonprofit dedicated to giving back to children and families in Afghanistan. Sajia is incredibly passionate about giving back to her community and is excited to bridge the UCSC campus with the Santa Cruz community through her service work this quarter.Fall 2017 Intern
Julian comes from the San Francisco Bay Area and is a third-year Porter affiliate majoring in History. He first discovered his interest in volunteering when he volunteered at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center as a high school student. There, not only did he learn about the nuts and bolts of hospital life, he witnessed, first-hand, the impact volunteers make in people’s lives. In Santa Cruz, he has been a student mentor to high school seniors at Soquel High School. The mentoring was focused on preparing students for the big step after high school and giving them the tools to succeed. Julian has also devoted time to volunteering for local and national campaigns and voter registration. Overall, he is excited to learn more about volunteering, work with his fellow interns, and positively impact the growing future of Santa Cruz.Fall 2017 Intern
Huong is a third year Crown affiliate majoring in Intensive Psychology. Born and raised in San Jose, she had the opportunity to volunteer through her Interact Club in high school, and then joined the Rotaract Club of Santa Cruz County based at UCSC. Both are community service clubs under Rotary International that aim to serve both locally and internationally through community service, fundraising, and youth empowerment. As SVC Intern, she wants to do her best to outreach and connect to local organizations, aiming to continue her passion for service and encourage others to make positive impacts in their community.Director
Vivian Bossieux-Skinner is a third year affiliated with Cowell college and is majoring in History of Art and Visual Culture. Vivian is passionate about volunteerism and community service and as part of the SVC team is excited to work with students on campus and the surrounding Santa Cruz community to make our community an even better place. At the SVC, Vivian is the contact person for any questions regarding the internship, CSP Grants, outreach, and general SVC questions.
Programs Director
Alexandra Dami is a fourth year affiliate of Cowell College and is majoring in Psychology. As a Bay Area resident, Alex was able to be a part of organizations such as Special Olympics of Northern California, the Blue Star Moms, and the Concord and Solano County Food Bank. In high school she started her own charity event, Caroling for Food, raising 8,000 pounds of food yearly for the Concord and Solano County Food Bank. Volunteering and hosting her own charity event has given Alex experience with managing large events as well as working with peers and organizations. Alex is excited for her third year to be working with the SVC team and bringing events to UCSC.
Spring 2017 Intern
Clorissa Williams is a third year affiliated with College Nine and is double majoring in Sociology and Biology B.A. In her hometowns of Vallejo and Sacramento, building a soft spot for reproductive health and kids, Clorissa has volunteered for reproductive health clinics such as Planned Parenthood, Women Health Specialists and has volunteered for after school programs. While volunteering for these organizations, Clorissa has also volunteered at her high school’s freshman orientations transitioning middle schoolers into high school. Continuing her endeavors at UCSC, Clorissa has volunteered as a College Nine and Ten college guide for the past two years helping transition frosh into the college community. She also holds a position for organizations on campus such as Nourish. From the SVC internship, Clorissa hopes to build relationships with both the on and off campus community, as well to gaining more office experience and enhance personal skills.Spring 2017 Intern
Nathaniel Ng is a third year student affiliated with Rachel Carson (formerly Eight) college and is majoring in History, with a concentrations in Americas and Africa, and minoring in Education. Nathaniel is passionate about education and aspires to be an teacher. He also volunteers at the on-campus Bike Coop and is a member of the Slug Cycling team. As an SVC intern, he is excited to immerse himself in the community and support local organizations as well as SVC operations.Spring 2017 Intern
Emily Martinez is a second year Porter affiliate. She is currently majoring in linguistics. Most of her volunteer work is focused on children and specific community efforts. In her hometown, she volunteered with organizations such as CSF, MRNC and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through BBBS she was able to communicate with children in elementary school and help them with homework and personal problems. While in this program she was awarded Big Sister of the year and formed a close bond with the young girl she was mentoring. She currently volunteers for the Early Childhood Care facility and has gained many professional qualities such as communication, and event coordination. Through the SVC internship Emily hopes to build a connection with the UCSC and Santa Cruz community, as well as further develop her social, professional and communication skills.Spring 2017 Intern
Eric Poels is a third year affiliated with Cowell College and is majoring in Computer Science. In his hometown of Novato, he volunteered with the county to help out with the annual festival of Art and Music. Eric is excited to meet with students and community members, who are both passionate and curious about volunteering. By connecting these individuals to new and exciting opportunities, Eric hopes to enhance their Santa Cruz experience, and make the community an even better place.Operations Director
Rosa is a second year Stevenson College affiliate majoring in Psychology. In her hometown of Whittier, Rosa volunteered with her high school’s Red Cross Club in running blood drives on her school's campus. She was also the president of the Recycling Club in which she planned and participated in beach cleanups as well as collecting donated bottles and cans and taking them to be recycled. Rosa learned about SVC by taking part in the 2016 Alternative Spring Break trip to Memphis, Tennessee and was inspired by the trip and realized the importance of volunteering. During her first year as Operations Director, Rosa is looking forward to helping direct students to exciting volunteer opportunities in the Santa Cruz Community.
Winter 2017 Intern
Rachel Teal is a second year affiliated with Porter. She is currently majoring in Psychology and is minoring in Language Studies with an emphasis in Spanish. Rachel is from San Diego and has volunteered in the past with Scripps Hospital assisting doctors with their research regarding adolescent health. In high school she was a volunteer with Girls Give back which empowered teen youth through volunteering. Rachel worked on giving presentations and holding discussions with middle school girls to discuss inequality and to build their confidence. Rachel has also volunteered as a language tutor and teacher’s assistant at her local religious school. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Rachel is looking forward to working in a professional environment and becoming more involved with the Santa Cruz community.
Winter 2017 Intern
Melanie Fowler is a second year Merrill college affiliate majoring in Economics with a concentration in Accounting. In her hometown of Madera, CA, she connected with her community through Rotary Interact by volunteering at local food banks, soup kitchens, charity events, and environmental restoration projects. During her time with Interact, she served as director of International, responsible for reaching out to potential speakers and organizations focused on global relief efforts and issues, and planning numerous events with her board members. She continued volunteering past high school with UCSC’s Rotaract and Praxis. With the SVC internship, Melanie hopes to build a connection with the Santa Cruz community, further develop her social and professional skills, and meet new people.
Winter 2017 Intern
Casey Fitzgerald is a fourth year Cowell College affiliate that is majoring in Earth and Planetary Sciences and minoring in Astronomy. In his hometown of San Mateo, he volunteered at a close by Community College helping with a monthly Astronomy Program of observing the night sky. He was also a member of the San Mateo County Astronomical Society which put on many stargazing events in the local parks. Casey did a lot more volunteering once he started here at UC Santa Cruz. He has been a Cowell Welcome Leader and a Cowell College photographer. Through this internship, Casey hopes to better help the Santa Cruz community. Since joining the Santa Cruz community, he has developed a great passion for volunteering and wants to continue his passion later in life. Casey is very excited to join the SVC team and to get more involved in the Santa Cruz community.
Winter 2016 Intern
My name is Jeremiah Rojas and I am an intended physics major from Oakes College. I was mostly raised in Stockton, a city about 2-3 hours away from Santa Cruz. I love listening to music, especially while walking around campus. I am also a typical Netflix and food junkie. I have a lot of experience volunteering at the local elementary school back in my hometown. I also got to volunteer for the local Congressman of my hometown during his campaign. I am really looking forward to gaining experience and leadership and communication skills from working with the Student Volunteer Center. I would also like to discover new doors that can open for me in terms of volunteer work while being an intern. I am very excited to plan and put on a fundraiser for a non profit organization as well.
Wintern 2016 Intern
Emma Finklang is a first year Kresge College affiliate and one of the winter 2016 interns! In eighth grade, Emma went on a week-long service trip in Los Angeles to repair houses and build wheel chair ramps. Emma loved spending time with the people she met on the trip, and developed a passion for volunteering that she took with her back to her hometown of Davis, CA, where she began to volunteer with several organizations, including the local therapeutic horseback riding center. Through this internship, Emma looks forward to serving her community and helping others find enjoyment in service. When she is not volunteering, Emma likes to run, ride horses, and travel.
Winter 2016 Intern
My name is Haley Boswell and I am a first year affiliate of Porter College. My hometown is Cleveland (Not Ohio), Mississippi and it is safe to say that the West coast is a whole new world to me. I am an astrophysics major and am completely infatuated with stars. I enjoy a lot of activities but in general love anything that will bring a smile to somebody’s face. There were limited community service opportunities in my hometown but luckily I did have the opportunity to volunteer in Hawaii with Habitat for Humanity which was truly a life-altering experience. That being said, in this internship I hope to become exposed to more opportunities like so and also become more active within both my university and community.
Fall 2015 Intern
Tiffany is a first year affiliate of Crown College pursuing Computer Science with a proposed Mathematics major. Her passion for helping the community began back at her hometown in San Jose, where she and several friends started a high school club known as Youth Impact to raise funds for the underprivileged in Nepal. In addition, she was also greatly involved with the American Red Cross as an officer and volunteered to teach others first aid. On top of that, through the 2015 AID Summer program, she taught English overseas to students from rural areas in Taiwan. She not only volunteers with specific organizations, she also incorporates her hobbies through service, from creating art for the community to playing music for the elderly. Contributing to society has always been a joy to Tiffany and that is why she chose to intern at the Student Volunteer Center. From this internship, she hopes to develop her leadership and communication skills and gain a valuable experience from the community at UC Santa Cruz.Fall 2015 Intern
Allegra Anka-Mueller is a first year Crown affiliate studying Business and Management. In Geneva, Switzerland Allegra was involved with two charity groups, MADSand IKOKU. She was also involved with a charity called SOL Ghana Orphanage, which enabled her to go to Kumasi, Ghana twice these past summers and work at an orphanage. Most recently, Allegra was involved in tabling for CalPirg in Santa Cruz. She is eager to further apply her new skills learned during this internship to new opportunities here in Santa Cruz, California!
Fall 2015 Intern
Laura is a second year Kresge affiliate studying Sociology with a minor in Politics. In her hometown of Placerville, CA, she volunteered at the town’s free dining hall, helped clean up the river, and mentored lower classmen as an AVID tutor for her high school. Here at UCSC, she is a leader for Thrive, a student organization working to promote self-care and compassion on campus. She is very excited to join SVC and to help engage students with their community on campus and in the larger Santa Cruz area!Operations Director
Ally is a fourth year Crown College affiliate double majoring in Cognitive Science and Intensive Psychology. Back home in Sacramento, Ally has tutored kids in elementary school and frequently helped around the classroom of teachers in need. Throughout high school, she also coached several soccer teams during the summer for players 5 years and younger. For the past couple summers, Ally has volunteered at SPCA shelters and interned at a local veterinary clinic in which she participated in a puppy resuscitation team during an emergency Caesarean section. Here at UCSC, Ally spent her second year as a Resident Assistant where she participated in food drives, meal drives, and put on a Hunger Banquet to raise awareness about world hunger. Now, during her third year in Santa Cruz and first as the Operations Director, Ally is excited to work with students to help find volunteer opportunities that best suit their interests and needs!Director
Megan is a fourth year student affiliated with Cowell College and double majoring in Spanish and history. In her hometown of Dixon, California Megan was actively involved in her community as her high school's vice president. This has given her experience with planning large scale events and working with staff and students. She was also a Sunday school teacher for her parish, a soccer coach, a volunteer for HELP (a local organization that provides meals for the homeless), and involved with different community service based organizations at her school which included the American Red Cross and Friday Night Live. Here in Santa Cruz, she was a part of the Alternative Spring Break trip to Miami, Florida. Her experiences from that trip and from interning for SVC sparked her interest in this organization and is now extremely excited to be one of the directors. She shares a passion for volunteering and working with others to promote a more unified, productive and aware community. She is grateful to be a part of the future of SVC and hopes to be able to share her enthusiasm with other UCSC students here on campus and throughout the community.
Programs Director
Kaitlyn Sandel is a fourth year Psychology major originally from the Bay Area. She is affiliated with Oakes College and has a passion for helping others. While at UCSC, she has been involved with many on-campus programs. She has been a Neighborhood Assistant at Oakes, Orientation Leader, and Tour Guide as well as a member of Rainbow Theatre. As a Neighborhood Assistant, she helped plan events such as blood drives and a bone marrow registry drive. She looks forward to planning events that get students involved and benefit all!
Spring 2015 Intern
Brigitte is a third year affiliate of Stevenson College majoring in History with a possible minor in Politics. Throughout high school, Brigitte worked as a tutor for AVID (an educational program that supports and mentors low-income students) and also spent most of her days volunteering for organizations such as Bark for Life, Relay for Life, and Day of the Child. As a UCSC Undergraduate, she has helped plan and coordinate numerous events on campus while volunteering as a Stevenson Outreach Leader, assisting with College Nights and Welcome Events, and also working at booths during the Edge of Eden Music Festival. Currently, she volunteers for the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter, the Museum of Art and History, and works as a Writing Assistant on campus. As an intern for the Student Volunteer Center, Brigitte is excited to work alongside her peers and hopes to become even more involved in the Santa Cruz community!Spring 2015 Intern
Hi, my name is Kate Orchard and I am a first year proposed Politics and Community Studies major from Rhode Island. I gained volunteer experience in high school by working at a summer camp and at a children's library, as well as participating in various other volunteer opportunities. I love running, being outdoors, and care about making the world a better place. I'm super excited to help the Santa Cruz community through my internship at SVC!Spring 2015 Intern
Noelle He is a third year student affiliated with College Nine, studying Global Economics with a language focus in Japanese. Back home in San Francisco, Noelle took part in various volunteering events such as annual marathons, helping children at an afterschool program, and mentoring international students from Japan during a summer leadership program. She enjoys helping others and contributing to the community. Through her previous experiences with volunteering, she is excited to work as an SVC intern to help others enjoy and connect to volunteer opportunities with the Santa Cruz community
Director
Chris is a fourth year Stevenson college student majoring in Human Biology. In his hometown of El Cerrito, he worked with the city's Recreation Department and Democratic Club, along with his high school’s Rotary Club participating in events such as toy drives, can food drives, Halloween carnivals, and Christmas breakfasts. In the summer, he has worked as a day camp counselor, an after school program counselor, an art instructor for young kids, McGruff the crime dog for National Night Out, and a crew member that starting constructing a brand new park in the most poverty stricken part of Richmond, the Iron Triangle. At UCSC, he has worked with a non-profit organization in downtown Santa Cruz that provides free medical and legal services to families of low income around the area, as well as Global Medical Brigades that provides free medical and dental services abroad to underprivileged Latin American countries. As a member of Sigma Pi fraternity, he has volunteered with Surf City Aids Walk/Bike Ride, Relay for Life, the Jacob's Heart Foundation, and the Marine Long Lab. In his spare time, he enjoys playing baseball, playing guitar, snowboarding, and riding motorcycles. His goal as SVC director is to raise awareness across campus of all the amazing volunteer opportunities that are available to students so that they may become involved and share the gratifying experience of helping others out.
Program Director
Will is a College Eight senior from Los Angeles majoring in Sociology. In his hometown, Will volunteered at Quest Martial Arts teaching self-defense to young kids. He co-founded his high school's Environmental Awareness Club and helped establish the first campus wide recycling program at his school. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, making music and relaxing at the beach. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and work at a non-profit offering legal services to prisoners. He plans on continuing his love of community service and his passion for teaching youth by volunteering as a coach at local youth centers. Will is excited to continue his work at SVC and hopes to share the joys of volunteering with the UCSC student body.
Operations Director
Brenda is a fourth year Cowell College student double majoring in History and Politics. Prior to her current position, Brenda was an intern with SVC during the 2010-2011 school year. She was drawn to the Student Volunteer Center during her freshman year when she first learned about their 2010 Alternative Spring Break program where students worked with Habitat for Humanity to built homes for deserving families. In her hometown of Los Angeles, Brenda was a Peer College Counselor and was also involved with Relay for Life, Aids Walk, Every 15 Minutes, Communities for a Better Environment, and several toy and food drives during the holidays. Brenda is enthusiastic to continue her work with SVC as Operations Director for the second year and is looking forward to working with other students and organizations to benefit the Santa Cruz community.
Winter 2015 Intern
Hi, my name is Sierra Reith. I am a freshman here at UC Santa Cruz. I am a proposed Psychology Major and thinking about doing a Community Studies Major as well. I have played soccer since I was seven and have been blessed enough to continue with my soccer career and play here for the school team. I enjoy hiking, helping others, eating yummy food and laying on the beach soaking up sun rays. I am very thankful to have gotten the opportunity to intern at the Student Volunteer Center and I am excited to see where my future takes me!
Winter 2015 Intern
Tara is a first year student affiliated with Crown college and majoring in Neuroscience. Back in her hometown of Sacramento, California, Tara was involved with the volunteering community at her high school and at a local hospital. She was in the Just for the Health of It club at her high school which put on a dance marathon every year to raise money for the UC Davis Children’s hospital as well as conducted numerous other community service events. This gave her experience with organizing larger scale fundraisers to aid businesses and organizations in need while also being able to volunteer for smaller community events. During high school she also volunteered at the Kaiser Permanente close to her school. Her experiences from volunteering at a hospital helped her with interacting with patients and the community. Tara is excited to be interning for the quarter and help out her community in her new home Santa Cruz
Winter 2015 Intern
Patrick Justice is a fourth year politics and sociology double major. As an event coordinator for the Office of the Dean of Students, Patrick has excelled in hosting Campus Life events. These events range from Meet-Greet’N’Eat w/ EVC Galloway, February Festival, to the Last Lecture Series held here on campus. Four years of academic and professional experience, as a UCSC undergraduate, have taught Patrick how to effectively work alongside the student body as well as the University faculty in a manner that attempts to meet both group’s wants and needs.
Fall 2014 Intern
Alyssa is a first year student affiliated with Stevenson College. She has been involved in her hometown community in the Bay Area through local parishes leading youth groups, summer camps, volunteering at St. Anthony’s Dining Hall in San Francisco, and dedicating her spring breaks for three years to building homes for families facing poverty in Tijuana, Mexico. Annually, she has spent her Halloweens as a buddy for the St. Marty's Party event hosted by her high school, which enables young elementary school kids to trick or treat in a safe environment unavailable in their own Oakland neighborhoods. In high school she was also a member of the Soroptimist club, a branch of a women led organization dedicated to service for women, and a volunteer at the local children's center, Building Blocks. Alyssa's passion for building a better community and serving others makes her excited to help build bridges for students at UCSC to connect with the Santa Cruz community and beyond!
Fall 2014 Intern
Emmalynn is a first year student from Idaho affiliated with Cowell college. Having participated in student government throughout high school, Emmalynn has practice planning and orchestrating large scale events. She has volunteered in multiple classrooms, at the hospital in her town, and provided childcare for low income families. She is very excited to be a part of the SVC team and looks forward to the great events SVC offers!
Fall 2014 Intern
Gilberto Valenzuela I am currently an AB540 second year at UCSC. I am originally from Mexico, came here to the U.S. at age 12 where I first lived in the central valley for several years until I moved to the Bay Area. I played soccer for three years in high school and also off of school also, I finished last year of high school in Oakland. I am a current Outreach Ambassador at E4FC where my team and I give presentations to undocumented youth and parents about college, telling our personal experiences, and how we, as undocumented students, are currently attending college and how our experience has been so far. I am new to the volunteering environment but I am sure I will learn a lot of good things here at SVC. On my free time I like to play soccer, exercise, and spend time with family and friends.
Spring 2014 Intern
Karishma is a sophomore at College Eight, and currently she is majoring in Business Management Economics with an emphasis in Accounting. Prior to UCSC, she volunteered for various organizations at her high school and at her local food pantry in order to help out her community. While at UCSC, Karishma volunteered for Habitat for Humanity at the ReStore, which gave her a lot of valuable experience in interacting with the Santa Community, and she also helped out with Project Homeless Connect. In her spare time, she enjoys watching new movies and trying different kinds of foods with her friends. As an intern she is excited to connect with other students on campus and make a difference in the Santa Cruz community.
Spring 2014 Intern
Shawn is a second year affiliated with College 10, majoring in Psychology. In high school, she began doing volunteer work for Interact Club and became their Treasurer during her senior year. While also being a member of Sigma Omicron Pi and Haluan, she wants to branch out and learn more about the Santa Cruz community outside of the school through the Student Volunteer Center. She hopes to take on as many volunteer opportunities as possible in the future and to spread more information about volunteering to the public.
Spring 2014 Intern
Winter 2014 Intern
Sara is a second year affiliated with Cowell College, majoring in Bioengineering. Before UCSC, Sara dedicated a lot of her time giving back to her hometown; from tutoring and mentoring children to organizing and putting on a district-wide Sleeping Bag Drive for her local homeless, in addition to her other multiple homelessness efforts. Now at UCSC, she has gotten involved locally with her school, and globally with Medical and Public Health Global Brigades, travelling to Honduras to provide hands-on help. Sara hopes to continue her local and global efforts now through SVC, and in the future by getting majorly involved with non-profit organizations.
Winter 2014 Intern
Christa is an exchange student from Finland and Berlin finishing her undergraduate studies at the UCSC. She is a College Ten student and excited to learn about the local community through interning at the SVC. She is motivated to a gain more experience and a deeper knowledge on non-profit work. In the future, she plans on working in the field of human rights and non-governmental organizations. Christa volunteered at her swimming club by working at swimming races and helping with fundraising. In high school, she was an active member and a president of the student committee. She contributed to organizing events for the students and ensuring that the student body's opinions were taken to notice at faculty meetings.
Winter 2014 Intern
Jessica is a third year affiliated with Oakes College, double majoring in Politics and Sociology. Jessica’s interest in volunteer work originated in high school, becoming a member and eventual officer for Key Club. Key Club was dedicated to community service and further augmented her leadership skills coordinating and directing events like fundraisers, meetings, and activities. Some of these events and volunteer work included her local library, children’s holiday events in neighboring parks, and their local college. Her fondness for helping others carried over to UCSC where she has served as a summer Orientation Leader, a mentor for Oakes College, and a current volunteer at the Mercy Housing program, where she spends her time helping children with their homework after school. Jessica hopes to find more opportunities through SVC and will continue expressing different event ideas for the community in hopes of providing opportunities for them as well.
Fall 2013 Intern
Dylan is a sophomore at Crown college, majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics. Back home in Millbrae, CA, Dylan was a coach, teaching gymnastics to kids. At UCSC, he has worked with the Zero Waste Program which was responsible for recycling during move-out week. He also has hosted video game tournaments for the gaming community and casual gamers to attend. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys hanging out with his friends, listening to music, cooking, practicing gymnastics, playing basketball, learning the art of Bonsai, and simply relaxing. With the SVC, Dylan hopes to give something back to Santa Cruz County that will be beneficial for future generations.
Fall 2013 Intern
Samantha is a first year at College Nine and is majoring in marine biology. At College Nine, she lives on the "Think Global, Act Local" floor, which is a service-learning, themed floor where residents must participate in volunteer programs. Originally from the LA area, she was involved in multiple volunteer organizations. She has volunteered at an animal hospital, animal shelter, and has been volunteering at a local elementary school tutoring kids for the past four years. In the future Samantha hopes to create a non-profit organization that benefits America's veterans.
Fall 2013 Intern
Monica is a second year Stevenson affiliate majoring in Community Studies. She was first involved with the SVC by going on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Santa Barbara last spring, working with Adopt A Block. She has always loved volunteering in her community and has done a fair share of volunteer work in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz County, Costa Rica, and Peru. In her free time she enjoys backpacking, playing the banjo, and community gardening! She is currently maintaining the campus garden that she helped design called The Urban Garden at the Village and interns at the Stevenson Garden.
Intern
Sabina is a first year College Ten student majoring in Business Management Economics and minoring in Women Studies. Over the years, she has volunteered for National Junior Basketball Association in Fremont, Dhammadharini Support Foundation, and Wishing Well Inc. in San Jose. Last year she successfully raised funds for Meals on Wheels and Giving Tree. Volunteering for a wide variety of causes has shown her that each organization has the common goal of bringing social justice and unity to each community. In addition, she plans to travel with UCSC buildOn to Haiti in winter break of 2013 to a build a school in a remote village. Sabina is thrilled to be an intern with SVC as she now gets to give back to the Santa Cruz community.
Intern
Andrew is currently a sophomore from Stevenson college studying Anthropology. In his hometown of Redondo Beach, California Andrew was actively involved in his community, volunteering at the local Head Start office planning and throwing holiday events for needy families. He also volunteered as staff at local community fairs as well as being apart of the Campus Ministry program at his high school. Here at UCSC Andrew has been a Campus Life Ambassador for the past two years as well as becoming a Quantum Jujitsu green belt and interning at the Stevenson Garden. Andrew was a participant in the Student Volunteer Center’s 2013 Alternative Spring Break trip removing graffiti, cleaning up beaches, and renovating the community garden in Isla Vista, California. Andrew is passionate about continuing his volunteer work and is excited to be apart of the SVC family and continuing their mission.
Intern
Jonathan is a second year Stevenson Student double majoring in Psychology and Business Management. In his hometown of Belmont, Jonathan volunteered as a member of Love Works helping renovate transitional hosing for low-income families by painting interior rooms, fixing children’s toys, and repairing bicycles. While attending UCSC Jonathan is currently a Residential Advisor for Stevenson College and loves the opportunity to give back to his fellow students. Jonathan is a current member of the University Economics Association and with the help of fellow members raised $500 for Santa Cruz AIDS Walk while spreading awareness to the issues of HIV and AIDS. Recently Jonathan was apart of Alternative Spring Break 2013 where he helped renovate the city of Isla Vista through park restoration, beach clean ups, and graffiti removal. Jonathan is an active member of UCSC Concert Choir and loves to play guitar. Jonathan hopes to gain a better understanding of how non-profit organizations work with dreams of improving the non-profit sector. Jonathan sees volunteer work as very meaningful and enjoys the experience of helping others out.
Intern
Intern
Mariah is a third year Stevenson student majoring in Literature. In her hometown, she volunteered with organizations whose primary focus is environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. Through these organizations she worked to restore local trails, beautify a bike park and participate in the Run to Feed the Hungry in order to better enhance the community as well as the environment. In her free time, Mariah enjoys playing guitar, hiking and snowboarding. As an intern at SVC, she is excited to learn more about the opportunities that are available to UCSC students that allow them to become connected with the community. Her goal as an intern is to enlighten as many students as possible about the Student Volunteer Center’s mission to improve Santa Cruz through volunteerism.
Intern
Sarah is a second year (Stevenson student) majoring in Psychology. She has participated in numerous volunteer opportunities in her locally and internationally. Throughout high school Sarah worked with the San Ramon City Lights local community volunteer program, which promotes recreational enjoyment and community involvement ,to ensure success in their programs and services. Sarah has also collaborated with Modesto Missions Homeless shelter and international organizations abroad to provide food, clothing and other resources for family's in need and impoverished communities. She has also thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the San Ramon Valley German School (SRVGS) working as a teacher's assistant to help children learn the German language and explore German culture through games, songs, activities and organization events. Volunteering has given Sarah a sense of community and teamwork working alongside other like -minded individuals. She is excited to be interning at SVC this quarter in order to promote student connectivity and participation with local organizations in the Santa Cruz community.
Intern
Daniel is a 4th year Kresge student majoring in Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology. Originally from Los Angeles, Daniel started his volunteer career in high school at an organization called Operation Gratitude, where he prepared care packages for U.S troops in the Middle East. Daniel has worked for the parks and recreation department of Los Angeles facilitating youth sports leagues – this is where he was first enamored with community involvement. In Santa Cruz, Daniel works at the Santa Cruz Teen Center, where he maintains a safe place that the youth of Santa Cruz can come to do homework, get a snack, or even just hang out in a pressure free environment. His hobbies include playing basketball and bocci ball, cooking, and camping. He looks forward to taking his passion for the Santa Cruz community and applying it to help interested students get involved and start making a difference.
Intern
I am a third year psychology student from Stevenson College with a minor in Education. In my hometown of Bakersfield California I started volunteering with my church's youth group participating in feeding the homeless, arranging food baskets and gifts for needy families during the holiday season. Also working with Jesus Shack to organize events, distributing food baskets and spreading information. I have also worked for the AWANA program which meets once a week where I work with children ranging in ages from 4 to 11 years old. I organized games they played, helped them memorize and recite Bible verses, and facilitated story time. I have also more recently been a part of the Experiential Leadership Program on campus here at UCSC which I have become active in facilitating the rock wall and facilitating other team building activities. I work for the Dean of Students office by gathering information on campus resources which has influenced me to become more active within the campus community. This has inspired me to reach out to the Student Volunteer Center and participate in their Alternative Spring Break program, which worked with Habitat for Humanity in Miami, Florida. All of which has influenced me to become an intern for the Student Volunteer Center and spread the word about the many different opportunities available to us as students.
Intern
Monica is a second year (class of 2015) student at UCSC majoring in Biology. Born and raised in San Francisco, Monica has actively volunteered for different events and organizations in her community. She participated in beach clean ups, guided teams at San Francisco AIDS Walk, read to patients in various medical centers, and volunteered as a Zoo Teaching Assistant (ZTA) at the SF Zoo, encouraging kids to explore the animal world through fun zoo tours, interactive games, and creative art/crafts projects. Over the summer she volunteered at Kimochi, a non-profit organization that provides supportive resources and care for seniors primarily of the Japanese American community. Her favorite hobbies include reading mystery novels, writing, and taking care of all types of animals. After graduation she plans to pursue a future career relating to medical research and the healthcare field. As an intern this fall quarter, Monica strives to build meaningful connections with local organizations and looks forward to join SVC in helping to connect students with amazing volunteer opportunities!
Intern
Crystal is a Cowell College freshman from Hayward majoring in Business. In her hometown, she volunteered continuously with The Kids’ Breakfast Club, a non-profit organization that strives to reduce hunger. During the summer, she was a leader of a program at the 1909 Hayward Fire Station called, Let’s Do Lunch Hayward…and Breakfast Too. For eight weeks, she served breakfast and lunch to children and recruited volunteers from various schools that participated in serving more than 120,000 meals. Because of her devotion to the community, she received a volunteer award from the former County Supervisor and the City of Hayward. In addition to her community service, she actively participated as a co-leader for her high school club, Nuestra Gente, which promoted Latino culture and diversity. Her responsibilities were to recruit new members, coordinate events/fundraisers, and contact vendors for donations. In her spare time, she listens to music, decorates, and volunteers. Her plan after graduation is to give back to her community and create an organization that provides assistance to high school students who do not have the necessary resources to attend college.Intern
Megan is a second year student affiliated with Cowell College double majoring in literature and history. In her hometown of Dixon, California Megan was actively involved in her community as a leadership student at her high school, a Sunday school teacher for her parish, a soccer coach, a volunteer for HELP, an organization that provides meals for the homeless, and involved with different community service based organizations at school her school which included the American Red Cross and Friday Night Live. Here in Santa Cruz she was a part of the Alternative Spring Break trip to Miami, Florida. Her experiences from that trip encouraged her to apply for the SVC internship. She shares a passion for volunteering and working with others to promote a more unified, productive and an aware community. She is very excited to be a part of the SVC team and hopes to be able to share her enthusiasm with other UCSC students here on campus and throughout the community.
Intern
Rachel is a freshman at Porter studying Neuroscience. Coming from Palo Alto, she believes that everyone can make a difference in his or her community. In the past, Rachel has organized programs to teach senior citizens technological skills, as well as working with her local library to run summer programs for grades 1-3, and working with Jr FIRST Lego League teams to teach engineering fundamentals to elementary school students. With a diversity of experience and a passion for volunteer work, Rachel is looking to be active in the Santa Cruz community and expose the UCSC community to opportunities to get involved.
Intern
Emily is a sophomore at Cowell College majoring in psychology. Coming from a small rural Northern California community she learned early in order to have good experiences in school and in the community she would have to become involved to make it happen. Tons of fundraisers brought soccer, a dance studio, and town beautification for all to enjoy. In high school she was a peer counselor helping to organize health awareness days among other workshops. She was also a mentor to middle school students, and would meet with a student weekly. As well, she participated in many fundraisers and groups that bettered her community and school. Being raised with nature right outside her door, she has always been mindful of caring for the environment. When she discovered the Student Volunteer Center this year she was thrilled to become an intern of an organization that focuses on the many volunteer opportunities available on campus and in Santa Cruz.
Intern
Lisa is a second year College Ten student majoring in Environmental Studies. Growing up in the Los Angeles County area, she was exposed to a great deal of homelessness, hunger, and poverty resulting in her passion for helping people. During high school she volunteered for events such as AIDS Walk, LA marathon, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner in the Park, Pancake breakfast, the rose float parade decorating, beach clean-up, and LA Regional Food Bank collections. Besides volunteering in her spare time, she enjoys trying new activities like bouldering and snowboarding. She also loves going to the beach, trying new exotic food, interacting with animals (especially with dogs) and watching shows like Law & Order: SVU, ABC's What Would You Do?, and Secret Millionaire. She is very excited to be interning for SVC this quarter and is looking forward to working with students that want to get involved in the awesome volunteer opportunities available throughout UCSC and the Santa Cruz Community.
Intern
Lindsay is a second year at Stevenson college, working on her major in psychology. In the past, she has participated in a range of community service opportunities in her hometown of Huntington Beach. In high school, she would participate in volunteer projects such as beach clean ups or assisting the elderly. She also enjoys volunteering at her local soup kitchen back home and going to the elementary school where her father works to help out with the kids. Lindsay also enjoys hiking, reading, knitting, scuba diving, and has a passion for traveling. Upon graduating, Lindsay hopes to join the Peace Corps as well as work on traveling the world. She is looking forward to working as an intern at SVC in order to get more involved with the Santa Cruz community and work on creating volunteer opportunities for students.
Intern
Hannah is a first year College Ten student from San Diego double majoring in Cognitive Science and Politics. Her passion for service learning led her to seek out the Student Volunteer Center and its many wonderful volunteer opportunities. Raised by an incredibly liberal and active family, Hannah learned the value of volunteer work at an early age by giving back to her local Recreation Center during the annual Halloween Carnival. She's been a committed Southern California Special Olympics volunteer tennis coach for five years now and she's happy to continue this work at UCSC. Her greatest passion is working with childern and individuals with special needs. Hannah is also a volunteer Student Ambassador for the UCSC Admissions Office,an Oxfam America member, and a future CA for College Ten. This past quarter, she organized and executed a food drive to benefit the Santa Cruz AIDS Project and so was able to further tie herself to the Santa Cruz community. Hannah is very excited about becoming one of the newest members of the SVC family and she is eager to help her fellow students find that special project that matters most to them.
Intern
My name is Terra Crowl and I am very happy to be working with SVC this quarter. I am an intensive psychology major and dance minor. My plan is to go on to getting my doctorate in psychology to do research around the world. What drew me to SVC is the fact that there are so many amazing organizations that help people in need, and students need to hear about these resources! I love knowing that I am a part of a system that is getting this great information out there to people who want to help.
Intern
Haeli is a third year Porter college student majoring in Marine Biology. In her hometown of Modesto, Haeli was a part of her high school’s Student Leadership Program, Environmental Club, and Interact Club. She was involved in the AMGEN tour, Turkey Dinner Drives, Soroptimist Christmas Tree, and blood and food drives. Here in Santa Cruz, Haeli is a Docent at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and also a volunteer for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at Long Marine Lab. In her free time, Haeli enjoys reading, sailing, scuba diving and going to the beach. After graduation, Haeli plans on joining the Peace Corps and helping others worldwide. She is ecstatic about being a part of the SVC and is looking forward to helping others and getting people involved.
Intern
Hi! My name is Iqra Maqsood and I'm currently a freshman at UCSC and affiliated with Crown College. My intended major is Biological Sciences. I'm originally from Sacramento where I attended a small high school. I love to read and just chill. I also love baking deserts and volunteering. I currently intern at the Student Volunteer Center and am enjoying it! If you ever see me around, don't be afraid to stop by and say hi!
Director
Kim is a fourth year environmental studies and economics student here at UCSC. She first got involved with the Student Volunteer Center in the fall of 2010. As the former Chapter Chair of UCSC CALPIRG, she has coordinated the hunger and homelessness as well as the healthcare campaigns, addressing both short-term and long-term community needs. She has also fundraised for various nonprofit organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Environment California, and Progressive Future. During the remainder of the 2010 school year, Kim will continue her efforts to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities and develop community leaders who can make a positive impact within the Santa Cruz community.
“In the words of Howard Zinn, I believe that ‘Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.’ My goal is to make SVC a well-known resource that students and community members can utilize to transform Santa Cruz County for the better."
Programs Director
Erin is a third year College 10 student majoring in History and minoring in Politics. She is an officer in UCSC’s Model United Nations team, and also dances ballet, tap, and jazz. She has a passion for volunteering in areas that involve teaching and political activism. In her home town of Fullerton CA, she instructs youth dance classes at her local community center, as well as volunteers at the children’s corner in her public library. As the former Operations Director, she enjoyed developing personal connections with both Santa Cruz community organizations and UCSC students wanting to get involved. In her new position as Program Director, Erin is looking forward to planning events with local organizations that UCSC students can make a difference with and have fun participating in!
“My main goal for the Student Volunteer Center is to make it an efficient resource for both UCSC students and community organizations. Santa Cruz has so many wonderful causes, and with so many students, we can really make a difference in our surroundings!"
Operations Director
Amanda is a forth year English Language Literature and Film & Digital Media student at UCSC. In her southern California hometown, she has worked with various youth-based volunteer organizations, including the Orange County Youth Coordinating Council and the Child Abuse Prevention Center. Since moving to northern California, she has extended her focus towards health, youth, and education, working with organizations such as the Santa Cruz Aids Project. As Operations Director, she strives to make the Student Volunteer Center a more efficient and effective resource for UC Santa Cruz students.
"My greatest hope for my time as a part of SVC is that every student on campus will be aware of our student-run organization as a means of connecting with manageable ways to beneficially change our community, our nation, and our planet."
Intern
Mimi is a second-year Cowell college student majoring in Psychology. In her hometown of Bakersfield, she volunteered for Sacred Heart Church, the KGET Food Drive, the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, and the Kern Adult Literacy Council. While at UCSC, she has been involved with City On a Hill Press for three quarters and currently works as a tour guide, representing the University to prospective students. In her spare time, Mimi enjoys learning to cook, reading, and listening to music. Her post-graduation plans include graduate school and pursuing a career in clinical psychology. Mimi is very excited to have the opportunity to serve as an SVC intern, and she is passionate about getting students involved in the variety of great volunteer opportunities available.
Intern
Isabel is a second-year student at UCSC from Los Angeles. She is majoring in American Studies, with a minor in education. She loves to read and dance daily. She enjoys volunteering outdoors, in the company of young children. She spends her free time watching movies, cooking, baking, traveling, playing sports and swimming.
Intern
Brittany is a senior transfer student from southern California majoring in Modern Literature. She sorted gifts with SVC in the fall for the Giving Tree program, during which she found herself immediately drawn to the non-profit for their passion and vision for shaping a better society. In the past, she has worked with Surfrider Foundation and volunteer organizations that help feed the homeless. In her free time, she enjoys running and is currently training for the Santa Cruz half marathon in April. Her tentative, post-graduation plans involve working on an organic farm and creating a path towards becoming a Peace Corps representative.
Intern
Clarissa is a third year College Nine student majoring in Business Management Economics. She is an exchange student from China and has spent the past two years at Washington State. Clarissa volunteered with a commonwealth organization in high school to support kids in an orphanage and seniors in a welfare home. She was involved in several student organizations while she was at University of Washington and participated in many volunteer events, including Alternative Spring Break. She is very passionate about volunteering and wishes to contribute in helping others while personally enjoying the meaningful work of making positive changes to the community such as Santa Cruz.
Director
Ali is a third year psychology student here at UCSC. She first got involved with SVC as an intern during winter '09. Since then, she has worked as both the Office Manager and Program Manager prior to her current position as the SVC Director. In previous years, she has worked with the Step It Up organization and her high school in Pleasant Hill, California to raise awareness for global warming and influence local government to pass necessary legislation. She has also volunteered with Relay For Life (American Cancer Society), the National Marrow Donor Program, and the Jesus Mary & Joseph Home for the 2009 Human Race. More recently, Ali has volunteered her time with the Second Harvest Food Bank, Save our Shores, Stanford Blood Center, and Habitat for Humanity. During the remainder of the 2010 school year, Ali is excited to reinstate the Community Service Project (CSP) Grant program, which will offer seed money to various UCSC students. She will also continue her outreach efforts both on and off campus in pursuit of SVC’s mission to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities to the student population.
“I am really excited to work with different organizations throughout this year to expose our staff and students to a variety of social issues that will both provide a beneficial service-learning experience and make an impact within the Santa Cruz community."
Intern
Jenn is a third year Business Management Economics student at UCSC. Her first interest in non-profit organizations was through her church community back home in San Jose, CA. She volunteered to teach arts and crafts to the children at the San Jose Homeless Shelter. She also was involved in railroad clean up and donated towel distribution to local homeless shelters. Her leadership roles in high school helped her be more serious about volunteerism. She was given an opportunity to organize the Baby Wipes Drive to prevent sanitary issues of soldiers in Iraq. This year is her first year interning for Student Volunteer Center. She is very excited to work with SVC and looks forward to the opportunities it will bring in the Santa Cruz community and beyond.
Intern
Joana is a second year from Oakes and is majoring in Environmental Studies and Community Studies at UCSC. She is from Los Angeles and has worked in environmental initiatives and social justice awareness regarding immigration with youth in the urban community. She has had the privileged in mentoring and working with local youth-leaders to organize projects and campaigns in the Westlake/MacArthur Park Community. She also worked with World Vision, Roots and Shoots, Central City Neighborhood Partners and other organizations interested in community development and Social Justice. She is interested in further educating and mentoring at risk-youth in creating a positive change in their local community.
Intern
Jeri is a first year Cowell student majoring in Neuroscience here at UCSC. She first got involved with SVC in Fall 09 by volunteering with SVC’s Giving Tree Program. Her previous experience with supporting numerous non-profit organizations in her hometown of Los Angeles includes working with the Hospitality Kitchen, the Interfaith Food Pantry, and Heal the Bay. In addition, she spent a summer working with children at a local non-profit summer camp as a volunteer Junior Counselor. She was the Events Coordinator at her high school’s local STAND chapter, planning various events such as rallies, fundraisers and demonstrations in order to educate, inform and raise money for various organizations to help stop genocide throughout the world. Jeri is enthusiastic to be back for her second quarter as an intern and is looking forward to completing her goals of coordinating a benefit concert and continuing to become more acquainted with the various non-profit organizations in Santa Cruz in order to be a more effective resource for students.
Intern
Alex is a first year student living at Cowell College, and a Politics major at UCSC. Her passion for volunteering was realized at a young age, and she has been involved with a variety of different organizations throughout her education. Alex has had the opportunity to work for causes dedicated to education, the environment, the elderly, children, the homeless, and her school communities among others. Some of her favorite volunteer experiences have been working with the San Mateo Outdoor Education program, the Cafe Saint Vincent de Paul in South San Francisco, and The Trail Center of San Mateo County. She is excited to be working with the Student Volunteer Center this quarter as an intern, and is looking forward to learning about and informing others of volunteer opportunities within the Santa Cruz community.
Intern
Daphne is a second year Oakes student and Business Management Economics major with an emphasis on Accounting. While currently maintaining her post as event coordinator for UCSC's Japanese Student Association, she decided to partake on her first internship with SVC as a first step into giving back to the community. Her first prior volunteering experiences include the KIWIN's club in southern California at St. Lucy's Priory High School, with activities ranging from catering the Annual Special Olympics to raising funds for UNICEF. She hopes that her internship with SVC will open doors to bigger opportunities to help those in need.
Intern
Jenni is a second year Legal Studies major at UCSC. She is from the Bay Area where she was involved in several volunteer organizations such as Relay for Life, Tour for Woodside, and Peninsula Covenant Church. Jenni plays volleyball, likes photography, and being outside in the beautiful Santa Cruz nature. She is extremely excited to be a part of SVC and to contribute to the many great opportunities SVC provides to UCSC and the Santa Cruz community.
Intern
Mia is a fourth year Sociology major at the UCSC. Over the past three years Mia has worked as a writing assistant for Stevenson College, where she met weekly with assigned groups of students, led discussions, and advised students on strategies for their papers. The summer of 2009 she was hired as an intern at the Family Network Inc., where she helped prepare and wrote Home Studies, court documents, and post-adoption reports for adoptive families. She has additionally been involved in a number of volunteer opportunities and worked during the school year from 2005 to 2006 at the Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento, as well as the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services in the Summer of 2008. Mia is excited to expand her volunteering experience and help more students get involved this quarter with her intern at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center.
Intern
Justine is a third year Sociology student from College 9 UCSC. Much of her volunteering has involved working with the environment or relief efforts, however in high school she was an active leader in her Service Club which primarily worked with the elderly and children from low-income households. She regularly volunteers for Save Our Shores and the Homeless Garden Project. She first became involved with SVC as a participant on the 2009 Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans. This eye-opening experience inspired her to intern for SVC and encourage fellow students to get immersed in the endless volunteer opportunities in the community. This is Justine's third quarter interning for SVC and as the director intern she looks forward to organizing upcoming events, as well as evaluating local organizations and volunteering for a wider variety of non-profits. Moreover, she hopes to inform UCSC students of the large amount of need in the county and emphasize the importance of giving back to the greater Santa Cruz community.
Intern
Erin Leigh is a third year Sociology major and Education minor at UCSC. She is a member of Alpha Psi Sorority on campus and loves participating in philanthropy and fundraiser events with her sorority. Back in Erin's hometown of Davis, she was a dance instructor at multiple dance studios and has always enjoyed working and volunteering with kids. Erin has also been a hotline volunteer for a few years and enjoys outreach in her community. Erin is excited to be working with different organizations in the Santa Cruz community as she assists the program manager in planning valuable volunteer opportunities for UCSC students.
Intern
Michelle is a third year Business Management Economics major at UCSC. She began her volunteer work at an early age where she served at the Glide soup kitchen in San Francisco and worked with Rebuildling Together, an organization whose focus is helping low-income families maintain their homes, and she has since made volunteering a habitual part of her everyday life. Michelle became involved with the Student Volunteer Center in Fall 2009 and quickly dedicated her time to improving the organization's connection to UCSC students. For Winter 2010, Michelle's primary goals will be reaching out to UCSC students and ensuring that every student knows about the valuable opportunities SVC offers.
Community Intern- Santa Cruz Aids Project
Intern
Evelyn is a first year (UCSC class of 2011) biology major. She has been volunteering since her freshmen year in high school. In the past, Evelyn has volunteered at Planned Parenthood, The Boys and Girls Club and she recently participated in SVC's Alternative Spring Break to New Orleans. Evelyn plans to pursue a career in medicine and strives to build a career at the World Health Organization. Evelyn is excited to work with SVC and help local organizations throughout Santa Cruz.
Organizations that Evelyn has volunteered with: Student Advocates for Equitable Recovery (SAFER), Planned Parenthood, Boys and Girls Club
Intern
Eta is a junior majoring in Business Management Economics with an emphasis on Accounting. She transferred here to UCSC in Fall of 2008 from Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California. She enjoys working with students, particularly those with special needs and students who are struggling financially. Every other summer, she volunteers at the EOP Program at my former Community College to wrap Christmas gifts and presents for low- income students and their families. And during the holiday seasons, she helps out by giving out presents and serving meals to these students and their families.
“Doing these tasks gives me great satisfaction, knowing that I’m giving a lending hand to the people of my community who need help!”
Community Intern- Santa Cruz Aids Project
Kristin is a first year (UCSC class of 2011) MCD Biology major. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz she hopes to pursue a PhD in Biomedical sciences. Kristin has been actively volunteering in the Santa Cruz Community since high school with organizations such as the Aptos High School Interact Club and Shorelife Community Church. These programs support the community by beautifying local schools, visiting homes for the elderly, and responding to various local crises. Kristin’s most recent involvement in the Santa Cruz Community has been with the Santa Cruz AIDS Project. Along with volunteering locally, she has also participated in building houses for low-income families along the border towns of Mexico. Recently, Kristin returned from a service-learning trip to New Orleans with the SVC. She is excited to be more involved with the Student Volunteer Center through her internship this quarter.
Office Manager
Amanda is a second year student here at UCSC. She loves working with children, animals, and art. Most of her volunteer experience before coming to SVC was done through local elementary schools and the Silicon Valley Humane Society. Her favorite volunteering experience since joining the SVC team was The Giving Tree 2008! Ask her about it, and you won’t be able to get her to stop talking. She is looking forward to another amazing year of volunteering, and of course, cannot wait for Alternative Spring Break in New Orleans 2009!
“SVC has become an integral factor in how I live my life here at UCSC. It’s my outlet.”
Intern
Grant Hartwell is relatively new to community service, but since attending the 2007 and 2008 Alternative Spring Breaks to New Orleans, he gained a new appreciation for service learning. The majority of reconstruction in New Orleans has been done by volunteers, and because of this he realized that if we can, we should dedicate a portion of our time to volunteering. While Grant has had this incredible revelation, he is not yet a volunteer junkie. In the other hours of his day, you can find him thinking.
Organizations that Grant has worked with: SAFER, PRAXIS, Catholic Charities, Alternative Spring Break, Practical Activism Conference (Colleges 9 and 10)
Office Manager, Intern
Andrea Hatfield is a fourth year student at UCSC majoring in linguistics. Andrea has been volunteering since her freshman year of high school. In the past she's been involved in teaching Sunday school, Habitat for Humanity, and tutoring children of differing ages. These experiences, of working with kids through volunteering, have made Andrea want to pursue a career as a teacher. Andrea is excited to take this next step by working with SVC, and she's looking forward to a great year!
Organizations that Andrea has worked with: Shared Adventures, faith based orgs, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring
Director
Shawn is a second year with the intentions of majoring in politics with a minor in education. Last year, he was a member of the Alternative Spring Break NOLA program and the SVC staff as an intern during the Spring Quarter. This is Shawn's first year as the Director of the Student Volunteer Center. As Director, Shawn strives to increase student involvement within our local community and emphasize the importance of service-learning to one's education.
Organizations that Shawn has worked with: SAFER, Alternative Spring Break, L.A. County Federaton of Labor, AFL-CIO, Bonner Americorp Program
Intern
Hi my name is David Russell and I’m a second year (UCSC class of 2010) Environmental Studies major from Merrill College. I’ve previously volunteered with a local theater group in my home town of North Fork California and have routinely performed at Ronald McDonald Houses in Fresno. I love spending time in nature, playing my guitar, and just hanging out with my friends. The last two years I’ve participated in alternative spring break New Orleans and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Organizations that David has volunteered with: Catholic Charities, SAFER, Alternative Spring Break, Ronald McDonald Houses (theatre)
Program Manager, Community Intern-Seventh Avenue Center, SVC Intern
Hilary is a fourth year (UCSC class of 2008) psychology intensive major. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Hilary plans on attending graduate school in hopes of earning my Ph.D. She enjoys working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and plans to focus her career around counseling and helping persons with mental disabilities. Two years ago she participated in Girls Go Tech with Provost Campbell Leaper in which she taught junior high school girls science projects. She really enjoyed to program since she was able to get girls motivated and interested in the mathematic and science fields. More recently Hilary participated in the UC Center Sacramento where she had the privilege of studying with professor Dr. Gary Dmyski and interning with the State Department of Developmental Services.
Organizations that Hilary has worked with: Girls Go Tech, Shared Adventures, 7th Avenue Center, State Department of Developmental Services, Alternative Spring Break, SAFER
Intern
Nicole is a marine biology major who wants to become a professor, marine biologist, and advocate promoting increased conversation of marine research in international politics. Nicole is interested in how academia, policy and science can collide creating the potential for advocacy and social change in academic conservation biology. She has been SVC Director since winter quarter of 2004. As a Santa Cruz local, Nicole has worked with many local community organizations and has ties with even more. Nicole believes that through experiential service learning students can get more out of their education at UCSC, and works with SVC staff to bring those service learning opportunities to students. Nicole is currently volunteering with The Marine Mammal Center, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association, and with research projects in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department.
Organizations Nicole has worked with: Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties, The Marine Mammal Center, Surfrider (LINK), American Cancer Society, Student Advocates for Equitable Recovery (SAFER) (LINK), TOPP.org, Catholic Charities of New Orleans, American Cancer Society, Bonner Leaders Program, The Human Race, New Horizons School, National Marrow Registry Program, Alternative Spring Break
Director
Kimberly Weber is a recent graduate originally from San Diego. She majored in Legal Studies with a minor in Politics. She worked with SVC for over a year and a half. She enjoys working with students one on one and organizing events to get students involved in the community. She has an interest in elderly, aging and health care. She has volunteered with the Senior Citizens Legal Aid Clinic in Santa Cruz and hopes to continue to work in this field and perhaps even go to law school to eventually become an elderly lawyer. She hopes SVC will continue to foster a wide range of activities and events and to involve more students at every opportunity.
Intern
Darryl is a sophomore in the Business Management Economics major. In the fall, he plays UCSC Intramural Flag Football with the 69ers, and in the spring he plays intramural A-League Basketball with the NorCal Stars. An extreme sports enthusiast, skateboarder, and cyclist, this is Darryl’s first quarter interning at SVC. He is SVC’s in-house artist, working on posters, flyers, and bulletins to keep you updated with upcoming events. Darryl has volunteered with Key Club San Francisco, CSF tutoring program, and EdVenture More! summer camp. In the future, he hopes to connect his economics major with his graphic design hobby and inspire the masses.
“I love seeing my work on display, and I am juiced to be here with SVC in a unique position to connect UCSC students to volunteer opportunities."
Program Manager, Intern
Tracy is a fourth year Legal Studies and Politics double major. She has volunteered with a Government Park Agency for six years, primarily helping inner-city families in Los Angeles by taking children camping or helping provide families with a Thanksgiving dinner. Tracy hopes to go to Law School and become a lawyer and/or become a children's author. Last year Tracy participated in the UC DC program and looks forward to implementing her new skills and knowledge to SVC as she returns.Tracy is a fourth year (UCSC class of 2008) Legal Studies and Politics double major. She has volunteered with a Government Park Agency for six years, primarily helping inner-city families in Los Angeles by taking children camping or helping provide families with a Thanksgiving dinner. Tracy hopes to go to Law School and become a lawyer and/or become a children's author. Last year Tracy participated in the UC DC program and looks forward to implementing her new skills and knowledge to SVC as she returns.
Organizations Tracy has worked with: Shared Adventures, Jesus Mary Joseph Home, Kaboom, Habitat for Humanity, Sunshine Villa Assisted Living/Memory Care, Surfrider, New Horizons
Assistant to the Executive Director of Student Academic Support Services Staff Advisor, UCSC Student Volunteer Center
Alina graduated from UCSC in 1999 with a BA in Psychology. She began her career on campus in 2002 in the Student Affairs Divisional office and has worked with SVC since 2003.
Executive Director, Student Academic Support Services and Lecturer, Community Studies and Latin American and Latino Studies Faculty Advisor, UCSC Student Volunteer Center
Thirty plus years committed to the conceptualization and implementation of community service learning programs; designed successful linkages among community base organizations, faculty and academic departments; advised a wide-range of student run community services projects, including: mentoring/tutoring "at risk" students, legal aid services, immigrant rights, gang prevention, mental and public health alternatives; served on Cal Corp, Human Corp and Ameri-Corp; currently faculty advisor for Step to College Mentor Program and trustee on the La Honda Pescadero School Board.
Lydia Jenkins-Sleczkowski
Poojitha Madaka
Erin Steckline
Megan Neelley
Harshitha Arul Murugan
Kira Perez-Angeles
Brianna Garcia
Analissa Vargas Torres
Bianca Martinez
Daniel Monaco
Laura Wishart
Emily Buczko
Hannah
Catherine
Celicia
Brandon
Yarethzia
Paola
Diana
Haruto
Sajia
Julian
Huong
Vivian Bossieux-Skinner
Alexandra Dami
Clarissa Williams
Nathaniel Ng
Emily Martinez
Eric Poels
Rosa Rivas Mora
Rachel Teal
Melanie Fowler
Casey Fitzgerald
Jeremiah Rojas
Emma Finklang
Haley Boswell
Tiffany Lee
Allegra Anka-Mueller
Laura Wishart
Ally Ho
Megan Heynen
Kaitlyn Sandel
Brigitte Villalpando
Kate Orchard
Noelle He
Chris Silva
William Brotherson
Brenda Beltran
Sierra Reith
Tara Cederlind
Patrick Justice
Alyssa Hernandez
Emmalynn Young
Gilberto Valenzuela
Karishma Joshi
Shawn Kim
Justine Perrin
Sara Perez
Christa Jakobsson
Jessica Montes
Dylan Kojimoto
Jeth Chng
Monica Salandra
Sabina Kapur
Andrew Navarez
Jonathan Green
Mark Le
Mariah Padilla
Sarah Brinkman
Daniel Reichman
Rose Candelaria
Monica Cho
Crystal Esparza
Megan Heynen
Rachel Talis
Emily Baize
Lisa Le
Lindsay Mintz
Hannah Mykel
Terra Crowl
Haeli Gustafson
Iqra Maqsood
Kim Le
Erin Flannery
Amanda Kimball
Mimi Stroud
Isabel Diaz
Brittany Lawrence
Clarissa Zhang
Ali O'Grady
Jenn Kim
Joana Leonido
Jeri Hoover
Alex Tupper
Daphne Poblete
Jenni Black
Mia Lobaco
Justine Newman
Erin Carpenter
Michelle Garza
Elise Carroll
Evelyn Castle
Eta Chan-Tung
Kristin Cutler
Amanda Goldsmith
Grant Hartwell
Andrea Hatfield
Shawn Riley
David Russell
Hilary Sisson
Nicole Marie Teutschel
Kimberly Weber
Darryl Wong
Tracy Young
Alina Tejera
Larry Trujillo
